Apparatus for testing and sorting thin rubber goods



C. H. FRY

Sept. 2, 1952 APPARATUS FOR TESTING AND SORTING THIN RUBBER GOODS" Filed July 28, 1950 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Sept. 2, 1952 I c, FRY 2,609,094

APPARATUS FOR TESTING AND SORTING THIN RUBBER GOODS Filed July 28, 1950 a sheets-Sheet? l'mvemor (bar/es H 55/ Gttornegs Sept- 2, 1952 T c. H. FRY 2,609,094

APPARATUS FOR TESTING AND SORTING THIN RUBBER GOODS Filed July 28, 1950 I 8 Sheets-Sheet s (Ittornegs v Sept. 2, 1952 c. H. FRY 2,609,094

APPARATUS FOR TESTING AND SORTING THIN RUBBER GOODS Filed July 28, 1950 8 Sfieets-Sheet 4 ZSnoentor Char/3s H 5 W. W

attorney Sept. 2, 1952 c. H. FRY 2,609,094

APPARATUS FOR TESTING AND SORTING THIN RUBBER GOODS Filed Ju1y,28, 1950 8 Sheets-Sheet Zhmcntor Char/es Fry Qttornegs 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 C. H. FRY

APPARATUS FOR TESTING AND SORTING THIN RUBBER GOODS w msw w Filed July 28, 1950 Sept. 2, 1952 Gttomegs C. H. FRY

Sept. 2, 1952 APPARATUS FOR TESTING AND SORTING THIN RUBBER GOODS 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed July 28, 1950 MN I/ Q NM &w 1% BM wr WWW NMN NNN

Patented Sept. 2, 1952 APPARATUS FOR TESTING AND SORTEN'G v THIN RUBBER GOODS Charles H. Fry, North Kansas City, Mo., assignor to Dean Rubber Manufacturing Company,

North Kansas City, Mo., a corporation of Missouri Application July 28, 1950, Serial No. 176,442

6 Claims. 1 This invention relates to methods and apparatus for printing, testing and ejecting thin rubber articles and more particularly for processing such 1 articles after curing thereof and rejecting those having imperfections such as holes, perforations and wall sections below a predetermined minimum thickness.

Articles of thin rubber are commonly manufactured by dipping forms or the like into tanks or other containers of liquid rubber latex, rubber cement or other dipping solution and withdrawing said forms in such a manner that a coating of the dipping solution is deposited thereon. The coating is dried and the coated form again dipped. This is repeated until the coatings forming'the articles are of desired thickness. The coated form then passes througha curing stage and is powdered and removed from the forms. Usually the article is rolled during the removal operation. While care is exercised during such manufacturing operations, imperfections suchas holes, perforations and the like are frequently found in the finished articles. It is desirable that such imperfect articles b detected and rejected. Also each prophylactic article of thin rubber must have printed thereon certain required information regarding the manufacture and brand thereof.

With the foregoing in mind, the objects of the present invention are to provide a novel method and apparatus for printing and testing thin rubber prophylactic articles whereby any hole, perforation, or wall sections below minimum thickness are detected and the imperfect article rejected; to provide apparatus for detecting imperfections in thin rubber articles which includes the automatic rejection and removal of the imperfect articl from said apparatus; to provide apparatus with a conveyor having mandrels of electroconductive material for receivin the articles to be printed and tested, and automatic controls for the various operations of printing or branding only the articles, locating of the mandrels, testing, rejecting and removal of imperfect articles, counting, powdering, and removal of acceptable articles; 1 to provide an apparatus comprising in combination various features and elements synchronized to cooperatively process thin rubber articles, detecting and ejecting imperfect articles and delivering articles of acceptable quality printed, powdered, rolled and counted; to provide a conveyor having supporting forms or mandrels mounted thereon for both rotatable and revolvable movements in the testingand processing of the thin rubber articles; and to provide a continuous method and apparatus for testing and processing thin rubber prophylactic articles 2 which are accurate, foolproof and automatic in operation.

In accomplishing these and other objects of the present invention, I have provided improved details of structure, the preferred forms of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of an apparatus for printing, testing, rejecting, powdering and counting prophylactic articles of thin rubber.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged transverse sectional view through the conveyor element and mandrel mounting thereon taken on the line 2-2, Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 3-3, Fig. 1, through the printing apparatus and selection mechanism therefor.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the printing apparatus.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional View through the article wetting tank taken on the line 5-5, Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the conveyor and mandrel mounting thereon.

Fig. "I is a perspective view of the article testing apparatus for detecting imperfect articles.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view on the line 8-8, Fig. 1, particularly illustrating the testing apparatus.

Fig. 9 is a detail sectional view through the apparatus for testing the ends of the articles.

Fig. 10 is a side elevation of the article ejection apparatus with a perfect article passing therethrough.

Fig. 11 is an elevation of the ejection apparatus from the opposite side thereof to Fig. 10 and illustrating th ejection apparatus removing an imperfect article.

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view through the drying and powdering apparatus on the line l2-|2,'Fig. 1.

Fig. 13 is a transverse sectional view through the drying chamber on the line l3l3, Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a transverse sectional view through the powdering apparatus on the line I l-l4, Fig. 12.

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view through the apparatus on the line |5-i5, Fig. 12, illustrating the removal of the perfect article, I Fig. 16 is a horizontal sectional view on the line l6i6, Fig. 15, showing the article removing apparatus.

Fig. 17 is a diagrammatic View of the actuating mechanism for the counter.

Referring more in detail to the drawings:

I designates generally an endless conveyor of the chain type and preferably of the articulated link type having pairs of side bars or links 2 pivotally connected to the adjacent or next pair of bars 2 by means of a pin 3 which also carries a roller 4 interposed between said side bars or links 2 for engagement with the teeth of a driving sprocket 5 and a plurality of idler sprockets 5 in the usual manner. Movement of the chain conveyor is continuous and in the direction of the arrows, the path of movement being defined by the sprockets 5 and 6 and by track members '5 and 8 intermediate said sprockets.

In the apparatus illustrated, the sprockets 5 and 6 are located substantially in a common horizontal plane and supported on a frame it] for rotation about vertical axes. The frame i3 is provided with the usual upright members H supporting a plurality of spaced transverse members I2, said upright members and transverse members being positioned as desired to form a structure of sufficient strength to properly mount the various elements thereon as hereinafter disclosed. The framework 16 is preferably elongated and adjacent one end thereof is a transverse member 3,011 which is rotatably mounted a shaft i l for the driving sprocket 5 and a shaft 5 for an idler sprocket 6, in such a manner that said sprockets are laterally spaced. The other end of the machine is provided with a transverse member 16 on which are rotatably mounted shafts i! of two laterally spaced sprockets 6. With this arrangement the sprockets define the curved portions of the path of the chain conveyor 5 and the tracks 1 and 8 define the straight runs of the conveyor path between the sprockets.

The track members "I. and 8 are preferably spaced rectangular bars, the adjacent portions of which extend between the links 2 and have inner faces i8 engaging the rollers l of said chain conveyor. Said track members also are so constructed that the upper faces l9 and 23 respectively are fiat and lie in a substantially common, horizontal plane. The respective track members are suitably secured to legs 2| and 22 extending upwardlyv from aweb. 23 of a channel member 23 suitably supported on the uprights H and transverse members l2 of the-framework ID.

A plurality of spaced brackets 25 are suitably mounted on the conveyor 6 for movement therewith. The brackets may be secured to selected links of the conveyor chain, however, it ispref erable that selected pairs of pins 3 be elongated and extend upwardly through bores 26 of bars 21 of the brackets 25 and the bars be retained in engagement with links 2 as by keepers or spring washers 28 suitably mounted adjacent the upper ends of the pins 3. The bars 2'! are provided with transverse bores 23 intermediate the pins 3 for mounting shafts 30 which extend from the sides of the bars 21 for rotatably mounting rollers 3| having peripheries engaging the upper faces [9 and 2301" the track members I and 8 for preventing tilting of the bracket 25 and also aid in supporting the conveyor I relative to the tracks 1 and 8 and substantially eliminate frictional contact between the links 2 and the tracks 1 and 8.

The brackets 25 have ears 32 arranged at each end of the bars 21 and extending upwardly and outwardly over the outer track member 8, aligned apertures being located adjacent the ends of the ears for receiving pins 33'which extend through apertures 34 of arms 35 whereby said arms are hingedly mounted on the respective brackets 25. Mandrels or like supporting forms 38 for thin rubber articles are carried by the armsv 35 and extend therefrom as illustrated in Fig. 2. The mandrels are rotatably mounted about their axes which are spaced from and perpendicular to the axes of the pins 33 whereby the hinging of the arms 35 provides a swinging movement of the mandrels in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the travel of the chain conveyor I and extend outwardly from said conveyor at various inclinations thereto for processing articles on the mandrels as later described.

The mandrels 36 preferably comprise a hollow, main body portion 3'! of suitable metal or other electro conductive material and a base or hub portion 39 of suitable dielectric material such as plastic, hard rubber or the like. As shown, the main metal body portion 3! is hollow and of suitable size to receive and support the rubber articles 38 Without wrinkling same. The body portion is pressed upon the adjacent end portion of the base or hub 39 and is suitably secured thereto as by a pin 40 extending through aligned apertures in the body portion and hub. Each mandrel body portion is preferably provided with one or more apertures 01' vents 4| through which air may pass from the interior of the rubber articles when mounting the same on said mandrels. The body portions 31 of the mandrels 36 are of greater length than the normal length of the articles and are of the same or greater diameter than the normal diameter of the articles so that the latter are supported thereon in smooth condition and closely engaging the form. Each of the mandrels preferably has a closed end 42 that substantially conforms to the shape of the articles whereby the articles will engage same. The dielectric base or hub portion 39 extends from the end 43 of the body portion of the mandrel and is provided with an enlarged portion d4 having substantially the same diameter as the diameter of the article on the body portion of the mandrel and having a frictional periphery to form a roller. Each hub 39 is provided with a bore 45 coaxial with the body portion of the mandrel for receiving a shaft 46 which is suitably secured to the hub as by a pin 41. Said shaft extends from the hub and is rotatably mounted in antifriction bearings 48 carried in a bore 49 in the respective arms 35, said bore 49 being perpendicular to and spaced from the bores 38 of said arms. A gear or the like 50 is mounted on the shaft 46 adajcent the end of, the hub 33 and is keyed to the hub by a pin 5|. The mandrel 36 is maintained against longitudinal movement relative to the arms 35 by a spacer 52 sleeved on the shaft 46 between the sprocket and the antifriction bearings and a spring retainer or look washer 53 adjacent the end of the shaft and engaging the other side of the antifriction bearing. Thus the mandrels including their main bodies, hubs 39, shafts 46 and gears 50 are free to rotate in the antifriction bearings carried by the arms 35 and at the same time by virtue of the pivotal connection of the arms with the brackets 2", said mandrels are movable in a plane perpendicular to the plane of travel of the conveyor chain 1. The inclination or angularity of the mandrels is controlled by cam rails 54 disposed along the conveyor and suitably supported on the channels 24 and having friction surfaces 55 adapted to be engaged by themripheries of the enlarged portions 44 of the hubs so that the mandrels 36 are caused to roll therealong and rotate as they are advanced by the conveyor chain I.

The conveyor I is driven by a motor 5t suitablysupported on transverse members l2 and having driving connection as through a belt 51 with a gear reduction unit 58 which has driving connection as through a chain 59 with the shaft 14 ofthe driving sprocket 5, whereby operation of the motor 56 effects rotation of the sprocket which has driving engagement with the chain conveyor 1 and moves same in a path as defined by the sprockets 5 and 6 and the tracks 1 and B to advance the mandrels and move same through the various stations for processing the thin rubber articles carried on the mandrels.

A station is provided at A for applying to the mandrels goods or articles 38 to be tested. At station B those mandrels having thin rubber articles thereon are moved whereby the articles are .properly printed or branded. At station C the rubber articles on the mandrels carrying same are wetted by water or other suitable liquid. At station D is anelectrical testing unit and a device for manifesting a defective article so it may be discarded. At station E there is apparatus for discarding the defective articles. At station F any water or wetting liquid on the rubber articles is spread to facilitate drying. At station G the articles are dried. At station H the perfect or acceptable tested articles are counted. At station I the rubber articles are powdered. At station J acceptable tested articles are rolled oh the forms or mandrels, automatically discharged from the apparatus and delivered to a point for further handling, packaging, etc.

At station A the cam rail 54 is provided with a depending flange on which are mounted a plurality of closely spaced antifriction rollers 6| of such diameter that the peripheries extend above the upper surface of the cam rail whereby the body portion 31 of the mandrels 36 engages the roller peripheries and the enlarged portions 44 of the hub portions 39 are maintained in spaced relation with the cam rails 54. The engagement of the body portions 31 of the mandrels with the rollers 6| causes said rollers to rotate as the mandrels are advanced thereover, the mandrels remaining stationary relative to the bearings 48. Thin rubber articles 38 are manually mounted upon the ,mandrels by one or more operators during the course of travel of the chain conveyor l and mandrels at the loading station A. As the mandrels leave station A the enlarged portions 44 rest on the upper surface of the cam rail 54 whereby as the chain conveyor 1 is advanced the frictional contact between the enlarged portions 44 and the cam rail 54 effects rotation of the mandrels with the articles mounted thereon, said mandrels being supported by the cam rail in a laterally projecting, substantially horizontal position.

Adjacent the station B the cam rail turns downwardly and inwardly and the mandrels swing downwardly on the pins 34 and are positioned substantially in a vertical position as they enter station E. A printing or branding mechanism 62 is located at station B. Said printing mechanism consists of a stamp or branding device 93 suitably secured on a block 64 which is keyed or otherwise secured by a pin 65 on a vertical shaft 68 extending through a bore 61 in said block and having ends fixed in bores 68 of vertically spaced bosses 69 which are supported by structural members Tl] on the frame It]. Spaced plates H and 12 are rotatably mounted on the shaft 66 immediately above and below the block 64, said lower plate having a hub 13 on which is fixed a sprocket l4 operatively engaged by a chain which is driven by a sprocket I6 on a shaft H of an idler sprocket 6. The idler sprocket It being turned by the conveyor chain l rotates the shaft l1 and drives the sprocket l4 and plates H and 12 at such a rate that inking rollers 11 carried by said plates are moved over the face of the stamp 63.intermediate the movement of a mandrel thereby. The inking rollers T! are rotatably mounted on shafts 78, the ends of which extend through slots 19 in the plates H and I2, springs or like resilient members being connected with the shafts l8 and urging same toward the shaft 65. In the particular structure shown, the plates H and 12 are substantially triangular and have three inking rollers thereon, and a roller passes over the stamp and inks same in the interval between the movements of the mandrels over the stamp. The ink is replenished in the rollers T! from an ink tank 8| suitably supported on a plate 82 that extends from the structural members, said tank being so located that a wicking 83 extending into the body of ink 84 carries the ink to a pad 85 sopositioned that the rollers 11 are rolled across the pad on the opposite side of their circle of rotation relative to the stamp 63. As the mandrels advance toward the printing or branding mechanism they are in a substantially vertical position with the enlarged portions 44 engaging the cam rail 54. This tends to rotate the mandrels, however, to assure positive rotation of said mandrels and thereby avoid smearing of the ink in the branding operation, a. rack 86 is suitably secured to the track member 8 in position to be engaged by the teeth of the gears 59, said rack extending along the length of station 13 to assure positive rotation of the mandrels therein. As the mandrels with the articles thereon are advanced along and in contact with the stamp 53; pressure is applied tending to swing the mandrels into engagement with the stamp to assure positive branding of the article on the mandrel. This pressure is applied by a pressure block 81 which engages the enlarged portion 44 on the mandrel hub and is carried on the lower end of an arm 88, the upper end of said arm being pivotally mounted as at 89 on a bracket 90 suitably secured to the track member 1 and extending upwardly over the chain conveyor, a spring 9| having ends connected to the bracket 90 and arm 88 to apply pressure to the pressure member 81.

If the operators at station A fail to mount a thin rubber article on each of the mandrels, the empty mandrels will be advanced past station B and it is desirable that said empty mandrels be detected and moved in such a manner as to avoid printing on the empty mandrel. Electrical contacts 92 and 93 are mounted on the frame immediately ahead of the printing mechanism and so positioned that the contact 92 engages the mandrel body member 31 adjacent the hub portion, and the contact 93 engages the portion of the mandrel normally covered by a thin rubber article. The contacts are connected in a suitable electric circuit whereby an empty or bare mandrel completes the circuit between the contacts 92 and 93. If a rubber article is on the mandrel, said article serves as an insulator and prevents completion of the circuit. When an empty mandrel engages the contacts 92 and 93, electric circuit is completed to a solenoid 94, arranged on the frame in such a manner that the armature 95 is in alignment with a bar 96 slidably mounted in a support 97 below the channel 24. The bar 96 carries a head 98 that normally is in alignment with the cam rail 54 and forms a portion thereof, and when the solenoid 94 is energized it moves the armature- 95, pushing the bar 96 and the head 98 thereon and swings the mandrel outwardly to an inclined position whereby the lower end of the mandrel moves into engagement with the outer surface of a guide track 99 which turns upwardly and outwardly whereby as the mandrel is advanced it is swung upwardly to a horizontal position as it moves beyond the station B. The electrical circuit (not shown) is such that a solenoid S4 is maintained in energized condition for a predetermined period of time sufficiently for themandrel to advance into contact with the guide 99.

The cam rail 54 is turned upwardly and outwardly and then extends along the track members whereby mandrels having rubber articles thereon are elevated to an inclined position as they leave station B and advanced'with the outer ends thereof below the guide track 99 and above the upper edge I of a tank I0! located at station C whereby the mandrels may be advanced to a position overlying said tank. The tank IOI is suitably supported on a bracket I02 extending outwardly from the frame I0 with a side wall of said tank substantially engaging the uprights II below the flange 22 of the channel 24, as illustrated in Fig. 5. The tank is of suitable size and the cam rail so arranged that as the chain conveyor I advances the mandrels the cam rail will support same whereby they will pass over the upper edge of the walls of the tank and then said mandrels swing downwardly to a substantially vertical position and move longitudinally of said tank until they approach the other end of same where the cam rail turns upwardly and outwardly and elevates the mandrels to a substantially horizontal position whereby they will pass over the wall of the tank. The tank is adapted to contain a quantity of water I03 in which a suitable wetting agent is incorporated. A pipe I04 4 connected to a suitable source of water supply extends into the tank and terminates in an open end I preferably below the water level. The delivery of water to the tank is controlled by a valve I06 which is actuated by a float I01 adapted to maintain the level of water slightly below the open or upper end of the thin rubber article 38 as at I08. An overflow pipe I09 having an open end '0 positioned slightly above the level of the water in the tank provides for an overflow to prevent the water level from extending above the upper end of the rubber articles, said overflow pipe extending downwardly through the bottom III of the tank. A drain H2 is provided in the bottom of the tank and controlledby a valve II3 whereby all of the water in the tank may be drained out for cleaning as desired. It is preferable that the water be heated as by an immersion type electric heater I I4 located adjacent the bottom of the tank and connected with a suitable source of electric current and provided with a suitable thermostat to regulate the temperature of the water. A vertical partition or baifie H5 is arranged longitudinally of the tank and suitably supported therein whereby the mandrels move between the bafile and the side of the tank adjacent the frame I0. The lower edge of the bafiie is spaced from the bottom III and the end edges H6 and III are spaced from the ends walls of the tank sufiiciently to provide space for movement of the wetting liquid whereby the temperature is substantially uniform and also provide space for the swinging movement of the mandrels as they are lowered into the tank and elevated out of the tank under control of the cam rail 54.

Movement of the mandrels through the water bath thoroughly wets the outer surface of the rubber articles and if there are any perforations or holes in the articles the water will seep through to the interior of the article. This seepage through small perforations is expedited by the wetting agent that is placed in the Water. The guide track 99 extends longitudinally of the tank [Ill and supports empty mandrels above the tank as they are advanced thereover. The guide track terminates at the end of the tank and the empty mandrels then move along with the mandrels having rubber articles thereon, all of said mandrels being held in a substantially horizontal position by the cam rail 54.

Station D for the electrical testing and manifesting'defective articles is adjacent the end of the tank IOI and the rubber articles on the man-'- drels are wet from the water I03 as they enter said station D. The electrical testing unit as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, comprises an electric conductor element H8 which is connected to a source of high tension electric current and which is adapted to be engaged by the portion of the mandrels carrying the rubber articles thereon and to shape itself about and conform to a portion of said mandrels along substantially the entire'length of the mandrel covered by the rubber article 38. The mandrel body portions 31, being of metal or electro conductive material are connected in the high tension circuit by engagement with an electrical contact II9 so that a high electrical potential is present between the element I I3 and mandrel body portion 31 thereunder which are separated only by the nonconducting rubber article. This potential is sufiioient to leap an air gap of the thickness of the article but not sufiicient to pierce the goods except when the latter have thin spots. Hence articles with the smallest of pin holes or which are under the desired thickness will permit a current to flow in the high tension circuit.

The element H0 preferably is a sheet of fine mesh, flexible metal fabric, suitably supported as on a plate I20 above the path of the article carrying portions of the mandrels whereby the element depends from the plate with the lower portion in wiping contact with the rubber article carrying portions of the mandrel. The plate I20 is provided with a downwardly extending portion I2I sloping in the direction of travel of the mandrels and terminating in spaced relation to the mandrels whereby the element IIB lies on the sloping portion I2I and hangs from the lower edge thereof. Resting on the plate I20 and element H8 thereon is a water tank I22, said tank, plate I20 and element H8 being supported by and suitably secured to a rod I23 located above the path of travel of the mandrels and having an end supported in an insulating bushing I24 mounted in a block I25 carried on a plate I26 which is supported by structural members I21 on selected transverse members I2 of the frame I0. A conductor leading to a suitable source of high tension electric current is connected as at I20 to the rod I23 for supplying current to the element H8. The contact II9 preferably consists of a resilient metal member suitably supported on an arm I29 extending outwardly from the plate I26 and is connected as at I30 to a conductor connected in the high tension electric circuit. The element II9 depends from the arm I29 and terminates at its lower end in a wiping foot I3I adapted to resiliently engage the metal body 9, portion 31 of the mandrel between the rubber article and the hub portion thereof.

As the mandrels approach the element II9 the portion contacted by said element is enaged by a brush I32 which wipes from the mandrel any dust or the like that might interfere with the making of the circuit by contact of the element H9 and the mandrel body portion 31. In order to insure engagement of the element I I8 with the entire periphery of the rubber.

article, the mandrel is rotated through more than a complete revolution during the period in which the element H8 is in contact with the rubber article. This rotation is effected by the gear 50 meshing with a gear I33 suitably supported on a countershaft I34 and driven by suitable power transmission means consisting of a gear chain I35, speed reducer I36, and prime mover I31, all supported on the plate I26 as illustrated in Fig. '7. To further insure electrical contact of the element II8 with the rubber article, the tank I22 contains a quantity of water I38 and has a valve controlled discharge I39 which is regulated to maintain a small flow of water into a trough I40 mounted on the side of the tank above the element H8 and substantially coextensive therewith, said trough having a plurality of apertures I4I inthe bottom thereof whereby the water drips onto the element I I8 to maintain same in a wet condition.

An arm I42 of electro conductive material is secured, as by welding, to the plate I20 and extends outwardly therefrom, said arm termimating in a depending shaft I43 on which is rotatably mounted a roller I44 positioned for resiliently engaging the endsof the mandrels. The roller I44 is preferably made of porous, resilient material, such as sponge rubber, whereby when it is pressed against the end of the mandrel it will conform substantially to the shape thereof. The roller is preferably maintained in wet condition by water that is delivered thereto through a duct I45 which communicates as at I46 with the tank I22, the flow through the duct being controlled by a valve I41. in the porous roller forms an electrical conductor, electrically connected through the arm I42, plate I20 and rod I23, in the high tension circuit to maintain a high potential at the ends of the mandrels whereby perforations or relatively thin spots in the ends of the rubber articles will permit current to flow in the circuit, through the mandrel and contact II9 said high tension circuit being such that when completed it starts operation of the article discarding mechanism at station E.

The article discarding mechanism is arranged in the apparatus in the path of the mandrel moving from contact with the element H8 and has less spacing from the element I I8 than the spacing between adjacent mandrels. Also the discarding mechanism is such that it is maintained in operation for a period of time which approximately equals the time required for the mandrels to be advanced the distance equivalent to the spacing between the mandrels. The discarding mechanism consists of a bracket-I48 suitablysupported on the frame I and extending outwardly therefrom. A post I49 is mounted on the outer end of the bracket I48 and extends upwardly therefrom carrying vertically spaced ears I50 and I in which are rotatably mounted horizontal shafts I52 and I53. Arms I54 and I55 are rotatably mounted on the shafts I52 and I53 respectively and extend toward a chain conveyor I, one of said arms being above the other below The water absorbed the path of the mandrels and adapted to be swung toward same as later described.

The arms I54 and I55 are arranged at an angle to the mandrels with the ends of said arms adjacent the conveyor closer to the approaching mandrels than the opposite ends of the arms which are mounted on the shafts I52 and I53. Spaced pulleys I56 and I51 are rotatably mounted on each of the arms I54 and I55, said pulleys all being substantially in the same vertical plane. Belts I58 operatively connect each set of pulleys I56 and I51, said pulleys and belts being so arranged that when the arms I54 and I55 are moved toward each other, as illustrated in Fig. 11, the belts engage the rubber article on the mandrel passin through station E. The pulleys I56 are preferably carried by bearing blocks I59 adjustably mounted on the arms whereby the belt may be tensioned as desired. The pulleys I51 are carried on shafts I60 on which are fixed sprockets I6I operatively connected by chains, belts or the like I62 with sprockets I63 fixed on the shafts I52 and I53, which also mount sprockets I64 which are operatively connected by a chain belt I65 with a sprocket I66 driven by a suitable prime mover, such as an electric motor I61, that is ad justably carried by the bracket I48. Operation of the motor I61 drives the sprockets I64 and I63 and said motion is imparted by chains I62 to the sprockets I6I, which in turn drive the pulleys to move the belts I58, the arrangement of the drives being such that the adjacent runs of the belts I58 move toward the post I49 or toward the free end of the mandrel.

The arms I54 and I55 are moved toward and away from the mandrels by means of a pair of toggle links I60 and I69 which are pivotally mounted as at I10 on the respective arms I54 and I55, the adjacent ends of said toggle links being pivotally connected by a pin I1I which is slidably mounted in a slot I12 of a bar I13 fixed on the post I49 and extending between the arms I54 and I55 whereby when the links are substantially in alignment, as illustrated in Fig. 10, the arms I54 and I55 are spaced apart sufliciently for the mandrels and rubber articles thereon to pass between the belts I58 without contacting same. When the links are pivoted and moved to the position shown in Fig. 11, the arms are moved together whereby the belts I58 contact the rubber articles on the mandrel and movement of the belts rolls the articles and discharges same from the end of the mandrel. The link I68 has an extension above the arm I54 and has a slot I14 engaged over a pin I14 on a head I15 mounted on a shaft I16 which is operated by the armature of a solenoid I11 rigidly mounted on a bracket I18 fixed on the post I49.

When a defective article passes through station D in contact with the element II8 permitting an electric current to flow from the element to the mandrel to complete the high tension electric circuit, the solenoid I11 is energized and draws the shaft I16 toward the solenoid I11 and swings the links to the position shown in Fig. 11, whereby the arms I54 and I55 are moved to position the belts I58 for engagement with the rubber article on the mandrel as said mandrel moves between the belts. The solenoid, and electric circuit therefor, hold the discharge mechanism in position for discharging the defective article until the mandrel has passed completely between the belts I58, then the solenoid is deenergized and a spring I19, having ends connected tothe shaft I16 and to the arm I54, returns the links to the position shown in Fig. 10 whereby the mandrels may move freely between the belts. The angle of the arms I54 and I55 and the runs of the belts thereon relative to the mandrels is such that the points of contact of the belts and the rubber article being rolled from the mandrel are substantially vertically of the axis of the mandrel whereby the rubber article is rolled completely from the mandrel before the end of the mandrel leaves the contact of the belts.

It is possible that in some instances the rubber article will adhere to the end of the mandrel and not be completely discharged therefrom. To eliminate such possibility a nozzle I83 is directed toward the end of the mandrel adjacent the end thereof and said nozzle connected with-a source of air pressure, whereby a jet of air blows the article from the end of the mandrel as said mandrel leaves the station E. The jet of air from the nozzle is controlled by a valve I8! which is operated by engagement of a mandrel passing thereby, and is timed where by the valve is opened only when a mandrel is aligned with the nozzle in such a manner that the jet of air is at the end of the mandrel and blows any rolled article therefrom.

The cam rail 54 is so positioned that it supports the mandrels in a substantially horizontal position throughout their course from the point of entering station 1) until they enter station A. The rubber articles that have passed the test are still wet and there is a tendency for the water to coalesce and it is desirable that the water be spread to increase the surface thereof exposed to the air and facilitate drying of the rubber articles. The mandrels are advanced through station F in contact with a plurality of brushes I82 supported between the cam rail 55 and a frame member I83 spaced outwardly relative to the ends of the mandrels. Other brushes I84 are suitably mounted on the frame member I83 for contact with the ends of the articles 38 on the mandrels.

The mandrels are advanced from station F into station G Where the rubber articles are dried. At station G the conveyor chain I and mandrels carried thereby advance through a housing i525, said housing having an open end I86 into which the mandrels and chain conveyor enter and an open end l8? through which the mandrels leave station G. Suitably heated air is discharged by a blower I88 into a duct I89 which has communication with the housing I85 adjacent the open end I87. The heated air passes the length of the housing I85 in counterflow to the direction of movement of the mandrels therethrough, said heated air being discharged from the open end I88 of the housing. The air is moved through the housing in sufficient quantity that any water on the rubber articles carried by the mandrels is dried without heating the rubber articles excessively. As the mandrels leave station G they pass through station H where those mandrels having rubber articles thereon are counted.

A counter mechanism I98 is actuated by a solenoid IEH or the like whereby the counter is advanced one unit each time a circuit is com pleted to the solenoid. The solenoid is connected to a suitable source of current and energization of the solenoid is controlled by a switch I92 having contacts that are moved into engagement by means of a plunger or the like so positioned as to be engaged by each of the mandrels as they pass through station H. Therefore, the switch operates to complete the circuit for every mandrel. In order to prevent operaton of the counter when there is no rubber article on the mandrel engaging the plunger, an electric eye or selenium cell I93 is positioned relative to a mandrel to receive a reflected beam of light from a light source I94. The beam of light is of such intensity that the reflected beam from the polished mandrels energizes the selenium cell which provides a current in a solenoid I 95 which breaks the circuit to the counter solenoid, but the rubber articles, not being of a polished or highly reflective surface, do not reflect sufficient light in the beam to activate the selenium cell sufficiently to protdde enough current to energize the solenoid I95. Therefore when a mandrel having a rubber article thereon passes in engagement with the switch plunger, circuit is completed to the counter solenoid and said counter advanced one unit, but when the mandrel is empty, circuit to the counter solenoid is interrupted and the counter remains in the same position which provides an accurate count of the rubber articles carried through station H by the mandrels.

Located at station I is a housing I99 extending over and substantially enclosing the mandrels passing through said station. The end walls 209 and EilI and the side wall 282 adjacent the chain conveyor I are provided with openings 203 through which the mandrels extend while passing through said housing. A powder. container or sifter 204 is secured on the top wall 265 of the housing E99 adjacent the end wall 260, said powder container extending above and below the top wall 265 with the lower end 206 of said powder container spaced slightly above the portion of the mandrel carrying the rubber article, said container having a width substantially coextensive with the length of the rubber article on the mandrel. A screen of finely woven cloth 28's or the like is mounted at the lower end of the powder container and a quantity of powder placed therein whereby the normal vibration in the machine will cause a small quantity of powder to drop through the woven cloth screen 207 and onto the rubber articles carried by the mandrels as they advance through the housing I99. A cover 208 is removably mounted on the upper end of the powder container 286 to close same, said cover being removable to permit inspection or replenishing the powder in the container.

A block 209 is suitably mounted in the housing I99 below the path of the mandrels and under the powder container 284. The upper face of the block is covered with fleece or like material 2H3 with the bristles thereof extending upwardly into engagement with the rubber articles carried on the mandrels, the block and fleece thereon being so arranged as to also contact the ends of the article. The block 209 is preferably mounted on members 2 vertically adjustable relative to the bottom 2I2 of the housing I99, whereby the block and fleece thereon may be adjusted to regulate the contact of the bristles of the fleece with the rubber article. The powder dropping from the powder container 20:! drops on the rubber article and also on the fleece 2m, and the contact of the article with the fleece distributes the powder over all of the surface of the rubber article. In order to facilitate the distribution of the powder on the article, a gear rack 2I3 of such length that it extends beyond the ends of the block 209 is supported on a bracket 2M mounted on the track member I and extendin upwardly and over the chain conveyor I and arm 35 whereby the rack 2I3 meshes for further handling, packaging, etc.

with the gear 59 on each mandrel to effect rotation of the mandrel as it is advanced in the housing I99 over the powder distributing fleece 2I0.

The powder is very fine and normally would tend to escape through the opening 294 and be deposited on other portions of the apparatus as well as creating discomfort for the operators. This escape of the powder is prevented by providing partitions 2I5 adjacent to but spaced from the walls 299 and 292, said partitions converging toward the edges of the openings 293 to form a narrow slot therebetween. Suitable vacuum connections 2I6 have communication with the space between the partitions 2 I5 in the walls 290 and 202, whereby air is drawn from the space between the partitions creating a flow of air entering said space through the slots with sufficient velocity to draw any powder therein that would otherwise tend to escape from the housing I99.

Station J is located in the housing I99 adjacent the end wall MI, and at station J is suitable mechanism 2I1 for engaging and rolling the rubber article from the mandrel and automatically discharging the rolled article into a duct 2I8 which delivers the finished article to a point The rolling and discharging mechanism consists of vertically spaced bearing supports 2I9 and 220 positioned above and below the path of the mandrels whereby the mandrels may move therebetween, as illustrated in Fig. 15. Each of the bearing supports carries bearings 22! spaced longitudinally thereof which rotatably mount pulleys 222 and 223 which are operatively connected by continuous belts 224. The bearing supports, pulleys and belts are arranged in the housing I99 at an angle to the mandrels, as illustrated in Fig. 16, whereby the point of contact between the adjacent runs of the belts 224 and the roll of the rubber article being removed from the mandrel is substantially in vertical alignment with the axis of the mandrel as said mandrel is advanced between the belts. The bearing supports'are adjustably mounted in the housing I99 by means of screws 225 and wedges 226 operated by adjusting screws 22'I whereby the bearing supports and the adjacent runs of the belts 224 are adjusted toward or away from the mandrels passing therebetween to provide proper contact between the adjacent runs of the belts and the rubber article being removed from the mandrels. Each of the pulleys 223 is secured to shafts 228 on which are mounted sprockets 229, each of which is operatively connected by a chain 239 with a driving sprocket 23I suitably driven by a motor or the like 232 for imparting motion to the belts 224 whereby the inner runs of same move toward the duct 2H2.

Normally the belts 224 throw the rubber articles with sufiicient velocity that said article is completely removed from the mandrel and thrown into the duct 2I8, however, in the event that the article sticks to the end of the mandrel it is blown therefrom and into the duct 2l9 bya jet of air issuing from a nozzle 233 which is connected by a pipe 234 to a suitable source of compressed air or the like. The flow of air issuing from the nozzle is controlled by a valve 235 which is opened by engagement of a mandrel passing thereby, the opening of the valve being timed whereby the jet of air is directed immediately upon the end of the mandrel and toward the duct 2 I 9.

As the mandrels are advanced from the station J they move onto station A where the operators again place rubber articles thereon for printing, testing and powdering. 1 In operation of the apparatus, an operator'or operators'locate'd at station A will slip thin rubber articles 38 to be processed over themandrels, said mandrels extending substantially horizontally and being advanced in stationary condition to facilitate these operations. The mandrels then pass to station B and as they do so swing downwardly and inwardly to a substantially vertical position. The mandrels having no rubber articles thereon are detected by the electrical contacts 92 and 93 and the circuit connected thereto eifecting energization of the solenoid 94 to move said empty mandrels outwardly into engagement with the guide track 99 which elevates and supports the empty mandrels until after they have passed station C. The mandrels having rubber articles thereon advance and rotate with the rubber article in engagement with the printing or branding stamp 93 which is' inked by the inking rollers TI intermediately of the passing of the mandrel and rubber article thereon in contact with the branding stamp. The mandrels then pass to station C and as they do so swing upwardly and outwardly whereby they will pass over the wall of thetank WI. The mandrels having rubber articles thereon then swing downwardly and inwardly to a substantially vertical position whereby the rubber article is immersed in the water solution I03 and then advanced between the partition I I5 and the adjacent wall of the tank. The movement of the mandrels through the tank effects the movement of the water solution therein whereby the entire body of water is maintained substantially at the same temperature by the heater I Id. The mandrels having rubber articles thereon are then swung upwardly and outwardly to a substantially horizontal position as they move over the end 01' the tank IIII. The articles, being wet, will remove some of the water solution from the tank I9I, this water being replaced by flow of water through the pipe I94 under control of the float valve I99 to maintain the desired level of wate solution in the tank.

All of the mandrels then pass in substantially horizontal position to station D in which they are engaged by the element H9 and the rubber-articles thereon are engaged by the element H8 and electrical roller contact I44, the'mandrels being rotated while in engagement with the ele ments and roller to assure complete contact of the entire rubber article with the elements and roller. The mandrels are so spaced that only one mandrel and rubber article thereon can be in contact with the elements at any given time. If perfect articles are on the mandrels these will prevent the passage of high tension current between the elements and the metal mandrels and will pass along for succeeding operations in the apparatus. If, however, imperfect articles are on the mandrels these permit the flow of elec-, tricity in the high tension circuit and cause the solenoid IT! to be energized and to remain so until the mandrel with imperfect articles thereon advances beyond the belts I58 and the imperfect goods removed from the mandrel by said belts which are moved into article-engaging position by the swinging of the arms I54 and I55 toward each other by operation of the links I68 and I99 by the solenoid I'll. If the imperfect article is not completely removed from the mandrel, it is blown therefrom by a jet of air from the nozzle I in response to tripping of the valve aeoaooc I8I.- Before a succeeding mandrel reaches elements H8 and I I9, the electric circuit is opened,

deenergizing the solenoid I ll whereby the spring I79 operates the links I68 and ['69 to move the arms I54 and I55 apart for free movement of succeeding mandrels between the belts I58. The high tension electric circuit is then in condition for electrically testing the rubber articles on succeeding mandrels.

The mandrels are then advanced through station 15 in engagement with brushes I82 and I83 to spread any water on the rubber articles to facilitate dry ng thereof. The mandrels then advance through the housing I85 in station G where heated air is passed oversaid mandrels and articles thereon to completely dry the articles. As-themandrels leave station G they advance through station H where each mandrel actuates the switch I92, actuating the counter when there is a rubber article on the mandrel. If the mandrel'is empty, light reflected from the polished surface of the mandrel activates the selenium cell I93 causing the solenoid to break the normal circuit to the counter and preventing operation thereof whereby an accurate count of the mandrels having perfect articles thereon is obtained. The mandrels then advance into the housing I99 at Station I and are rolled in contact with the fleece 2 I9 for distributing powder over the rubber articles, said powder being continually sifted over the articles and fleece by the normal vibration of the apparatus. The mandrels then advance to station J where the belts 224 engage the rubber articles on the mandrels rolling the article and discharging same from the mandrel into the duct 2I8. If the article is not completely removed from the mandrel, a jet of air from the nozzle 233 under control of the valve 235. blows the article from the mandrel and into the duct 2l8 where it is delivered to a point of further handling or packaging of the article. The mandrels then return to station A where they are again loaded with articles to be processed.

It is believed obvious that I have provided a method and apparatus that is accurate and automatic in operation for branding and testing thin rubber prophylactic articles whereby any hole, perforation or wall sections below minimum thickness are detected-and the imperfect articles rejected, and the perfect articles powdered, rolled, counted and discharged from the apparatus and delivered to a point for further handling.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. Apparatus for processing thin, hollow, flexible rubber articles or the like comprising, a mandrel of electroconductive material arranged to receive and support an article thereon without wrinkling, a tank containing a liquid, means for lowering and raising the mandrel in and out of the tank for substantially immersing the article on said mandrel for wetting said article, an electric contact arranged to be engaged by the mandrel after the article is removed from the liquid and while the article is wet, a flexible element of electroconductive material arranged to engage the wet'article and conform to a portion thereof simultaneously with engagement of the electric contact and mandrel, means applying liquid to the flexible element to maintain same in wet condition, means for rotating the mandrel while the contact and flexible element engage the mandrelv and article respectively, means for maintaining a high potential of electricity between the flexible element and mandrel whereby the electricity will flow therebetween and complete a circuit to manifest presence of a defective article when the article is perforated or has a wall thickness below normal, and means operable responsive to completion of said circuit for discharging the defective article from the mandrel.

2. Apparatus for processing thin, hollow, flexible rubber articles or the like comprising, a mandrel of electroconductive material arranged to receive and support an article thereon without wrinkling, a tank containing a liquid in which said article is substantially immersed on said mandrel for wetting said article, an electric contact arranged to be engaged by the mandrel after the article is removed from the liquid and while the article is wet, a flexible element of electroconductive material arranged to engage the wet article and conform to a portion thereof simultaneously with engagement of the electric contact and mandrel, a resilient member electrically connected with said flexible element and engaging the wet article at the end of the mandrel while the article is engaged by the flexible element, means applying liquid to the flexible element and resilient member to maintain same in wet condition, means for rotating the mandrel while the contact engages the mandrel and the flexible element and resilient member engage the article, means for maintaining a high potential of electricity between the flexible element, resilient member and mandrel whereby the electricity will flow therebetween and complete a circuit to manifest presence of a defective article when the article is perforated or has a wall thickness below normal, means operable responsive to completion of said circuit for discharging the defective article from the mandrel, and means for rolling the perfect articles from the mandrels.

3. Apparatus for processing thin, hollow, flexible rubber articles or the like comprising, a frame, an endless conveyor, means on the frame defining a path of movement of the conveyor, a plurality of spaced mandrels of electroconductive material mounted on the conveyor and arranged to receive and support articles thereon, means for moving the conveyor in its defined path, a tank containing a liquid through which article carrymg mandrels are moved for substantially immersing the articles and wetting same, an electric contact arranged to be engaged by the mandrels after the articles are removed from the liquid and while the articles are wet, a flexible element of electroconductive material arranged to engage the wet articles and conform to a portion thereof simultaneously with engagement of the electric contact and mandrels, a liquid supply, means connected with the liquid supply for applying liquid to the flexible element to maintain same in wet condition, means for maintainmg a high potential of electricity between the flexible element and mandrel whereby the electricity will flow therebetween and complete a circuit to manifest presence of defective articles when said article is perforated or has a wall thickness below normal, mean operable responsive to completion of said circuit for discharging the defective article from the mandrel, and mechanical means for removing perfect articles from the mandrels.

4. Apparatus for processing thin, hollow, flexible rubber articles or the like comprising, a frame, an endless conveyor, track members on the frame and having engagement with the con- 17 veyor for defining a path of movement of same, a plurality of spaced mandrels of electroconductive material rotatably mounted on the conveyor and arranged to receive and support articles thereon without wrinkling, means for continuously moving the conveyor in the path defined by the track members, means disposed along the conveyor and engageable with the mandrels during movement of the conveyor for defining the inclination of the mandrels, a tank containing a liquid through which article carrying mandrels are moved for substantially immersing the articles and wetting same, an electric contact arranged to be engaged by the mandrels after the articles are removed from the liquid and while the articles are wet, a flexible element of electroconductive material arranged to engage the wet articles and conform to a portion thereof simultaneously with engagement of the electric contact and mandrels, liquid supply, a perforate trough connected to the liquid supply and supported above the flexible element for dripping liquid thereon to maintain same in wet condition, means for rotating the mandrels while the contact and flexible member engage the mandrel and article respectively, means for maintaining a high potential of electricity between the flexible element and mandrel whereby the electricity will flow therebetween and complete a circuit to manifest presence of defective articles when said article is perforated or has a wall thickness below normal, means operable responsive to completion of said circuit for discharging the defective article from the mandrel, and mechanical means for removing perfect articles from the mandrels.

5. Apparatus for processing thin, hollow, flexible rubber articles or the like comprising, a frame, an endless conveyor, track members on the frame and having engagement with the conveyor for defining a path of movement of same, a plurality of spaced mandrels of electroconductive material rotatably and pivotally mounted on the conveyor and arranged to receive and support articles thereon without wrinkling, means for continuously moving the conveyor in the path defined by the track members, cam members disposed along the conveyor and engageable with the mandrels during movement of the conveyor for varying the angularity of the mandrels and for simultaneously rotating the mandrels during such variation of angularity, a tank containing a liquid into which mandrels are lowered for substantially immersing the articles and wetting same, an electric contact arranged to be engaged by the mandrels after the articles are removed from the liquid and while the articles are wet, a flexible element of electroconductive material arranged to engage the wet articles and conform to portions thereof simultaneously with engagement of the electric contact and mandrel, resilient member electrically connected with said flexible element and engaging the wet article at the end of the mandrel while the article is enased by the flexible element, means applying liquid to the flexible element and resilient member to maintain same in wet condition, means for rotating the mandrel while the contact engages the mandrel and the flexible element and resilient member engage the article, means for maintaining a high potential of electricity between the flexible element, resilient member and mandrel whereby the electricity will flow therebetween and complete a circuit to manifest presence of a defective article when said article is perforated or has a wall thickness below normal, means operable responsive to completion of said circuit 18 for discharging the defective articles from the mandrels, means for drying perfect articles on the mandrels, and mechanical means for removing perfect articles from the mandrels.

6. Apparatus for processing thin, hollow, flexible rubber articles or the like comprising, a frame, an endless conveyor, track members on the frame and having engagement with the conveyor for defining a path of movement of same, a plurality of spaced mandrels of electroconductive material rotatably and pivotally mounted, on the conveyor and arranged to receive and support articles thereon without wrinkling, means for continuously moving the conveyor in the path defined by the track members, cam members disposed along the conveyor and engageable with the mandrels during movement of the conveyor for varying the angularity of the mandrels throughout a predetermined range extending from above a horizontal plane down to a substantially vertical plane and for simultaneously rotating the mandrels during such variation of angularity, electrical means including contacts with which the mandrels cooperate in succession for detecting empty mandrels, a tank containing a liquid adjacent a portion of the cam members which lower the mandrels to a substantially vertical plane, means responsive to the electrical means for moving empty mandrels to a substantially horizontal plane whereby they bypass the tank of liquid and only article carrying mandrels are lowered by the cam members into the liquid for substantially immersing the articles and wetting same, an electric contact arranged to be engaged by the mandrels after the articles are removed from the liquid and while the articles are wet, a flexible element of electroconductive material arranged to engage the wet articles and conform to portions thereof simultaneously with engagement of the electric contact and mandrel, means for rotating the mandrel while the contact and flexible element engage the mandrel and article respectively, means for maintaining a high potential of electricity between the flexible element and mandrel whereby the electricity will flow therebetween and complete a circuit to manifest presence of a defective article when said article is perforated or has a wall thickness below normal, means operable responsive to completion of said circuit forv discharging the defective article from the mandrel, means for engaging the wet perfect articles and spreading the liquid thereon, means for applying a heated current of air to the perfect articles for drying same on the mandrels, a counter. electric means for operating the counter including a circuit completed by the moving of the mandrel past a predetermined point, means responsive to light reflected from empty mandrels and not responsive to light reflected from articles on mandrels for interrupting the circuit to the counter to prevent counting empty mandrels passing said predetermined point, and mechanical means for removing perfect article from the mandrels.

CHARLES H. FRY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Cremer Apr. 11, 1950 

